MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 06: Max Kepler #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a single against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot park on September 06, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies’ brief relationship with a long-time big league outfielder came to an end before he could establish himself as a long-term piece in the organization.
After spending the 2025 season in Philadelphia, Kepler entered free agency and then immediately faced an 80-game suspension that dramatically complicated his attempt to find a new opportunity.
Kepler eventually landed with the Arizona Diamondbacks at midseason, giving the former Minnesota Twins regular a chance to rebuild his value in the majors. Instead, his return to the field produced another difficult chapter shortly after he spoke out at length about his PED suspension for the first time.
Former Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Cut From New Roster After PED Suspension
Kepler’s brief comeback has now ended with another roster setback. The Arizona Diamondbacks designated him for assignment and recalled catcher Adrian Del Castillo from Triple-A Reno on Sunday, Connor Byrne reported for MLB Trade Rumors.
Even before the suspension, Kepler seemed unlikely to re-sign with the Phillies as he struggled to consistently produce during his lone season with the team. He hit .216/.300/.391 with 18 home runs in 474 plate appearances, numbers that translated to an 88 wRC+.
The 33-year-old remained unsigned until June while serving the suspension that stemmed from his positive PED test. Arizona ultimately gave him a major league opportunity on a prorated contract but his return did not produce the rebound the Diamondbacks hoped to see as they push toward a playoff spot.
After being activated on June 25, Kepler hit just .205/.262/.303 with two home runs over 145 plate appearances, resulting in a 53 wRC+ and a career-low .098 isolated power mark.
Kepler also struggled against right-handed pitching, an area where he had traditionally been more productive. During his brief Arizona stint, he hit only .192/.256/.283 against righties.
Former Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Defends PED Situation
Kepler’s recent explanation for the suspension added another layer to an already unusual stretch of his career.
“Our theory, which we were trying to put together with my lawyers, was the fact that you can consume a steroid with contaminated red meat, which I was eating a lot of red meat at the time,” Kepler explained to Phillies Nation’s Destiny Lugardo last week. “Then again, even if you would have sourced the contaminated red meat, there’s no chance that a company admits to contaminating their meat. So this theory was a theory, but it wouldn’t really hold up. So a positive test is a positive test.”
While Kepler defended his positive PED test as unintentional, observers could be taking note that his production picked up notably in the latter part of last season and then appeared to drop off when he returned this season.
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